Inherent seismic resilience of RC columns externally confined with nonbonded composite ropes

This paper highlights the inherent seismic resilience of reinforced concrete (RC) columns externally confined with nonbonded composite ropes. It critically reviews the inherent seismic resilience reserve of such columns at material, at section and at member level. The study further elaborates recent experimental evidence to reveal the structural resilience of the retrofit technique (excluding risk-based assessment). It focuses on the damage build-up and control at member level that may prevent the collapse of critical infrastructure. A new generalized design concept is concluded towards enhanced inherent resilience of similar members. It applies to members with the weakest link (in this case also being the main bearing material, the concrete core) suffering a local damage, susceptible to further build-up. This damage localization disrupts uniformity and homogeneity in response. The design approach suggests that adequate confining action with continuous elastic flexible rope (or tape) may preserve damage-sensitive-restriction in a way that globalizes damage. It may succeed damage redistribution inside the core throughout loading and make the core again more uniform and more homogeneous in response, thus maximizing energy dissipation.